Maddie offers a polite smile, but I can see the flicker of hesitation behind it, the way she subtly shifts her weight like she’s trying to hide her embarrassment. “I don’t think I’d be able to afford that. But thank you. Maybe one day.”
Mom’s eyes widen, instantly realizing the awkward position she’s put her in. “Oh no, Maddie Grace, it wouldn’t cost you anything. Javier often travels to Atlanta for business, visiting one of his hotels, so you can easily fly with him. It’s a company plane, no expense to you.”
And that right there is whyRosais my mom.
There’s no company plane.
Hell, I’m not even sure if Javier has a hotel in Atlanta. But she’d lie through her teeth if it meant making Maddie happy. Not just because it makes me happy but because she’s an honest-to-God saint.
That’s why, no matter what, I willalwayschoose her.
“Thank you for the offer,” Maddie replies, her smile soft, almost sad. “I’d have to check with my parents.”
“I can always speak to them?—”
Before Mom can finish, Camila bounces over, saving Maddie from the conversation. She presses a small slip of paper into Maddie’s hand with a conspiratorial grin.
Maddie, ever the polite one, turns back to Mom, offering another smile. “Thanks again, Rosa. I’ll definitely keep it in mind.”
“What are you keeping in mind?” Camila asks.
“Don’t be nosy. Mind your business.” I hip-check Camila, and she retaliates with a quick punch to my arm.
“Whatever.” She points to the paper in Maddie’s hand. “That’s my number. You better call me when you get home. I haveso muchdirt on Nate.”
Maddie’s eyes light up mischievously as she glances at me, waggling her brows. “I’m calling you thesecondI get back to Georgia.”
I groan, “Oh, please. I’m a damnsaintcompared to the rest of this family.”
Dad calls out for Camila, signaling that it’s time to leave.
Maddie gives her one last hug, and we stand side by side, watching and waving as they head off.
And just like that, family time is over, but something about today feels permanent, like an unspoken promise that things are changing, andshebelongs in my world.
I slide my hand into Maddie’s, lacing our fingers together. “It’s free time. Do you want to go find Addie, or do you want to take a walk with me?”
Before she can answer, my brother’s voice cuts in, “Wait up, losers.”
“You’re not invited,” I tell Leo flatly.
“Ohhh, come on. Free time is so boring.” He wedges between Maddie and me, draping an arm over our shoulders. “Plus, besties do everything together.”
Maddie giggles, shaking her head in disbelief.
Leo grins but drops his arms as his gaze follows Bethany heading toward the cafeteria.
Without another word, he takes off.
“See ya,” I mutter under my breath.
Maddie cups her hands around her mouth. “Way to ditch your best friends, traitor!”
He’s running so fast that I doubt he even hears her.
I take the moment to slip my arm around her waist and spin her around. “Alone at last.”
She squeals in surprise, her laugh bubbling out light and effortlessly.
